Monday, December 18, 2017
Jeremiah 23:5-8, Psalm 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19, Matthew 1:18-25
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121817.cfm
BE LIKE JOSEPH
"When His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the power of the Holy Spirit." -Matthew 1:18
Joseph knew His wife was pregnant by someone other than him. The only possibility seemed to be that Mary was an adulteress. Yet in a dream, an angel told Joseph that Mary had conceived by the Holy Spirit (Mt 1:20).
Would you believe this miracle? Would you believe something that had never happened before? Would you believe something that you didn't and couldn't understand? Would you believe something from a dream? When Joseph believed in the virgin conception, he made one of the greatest acts of faith ever. If he had not made this great act of faith, he would not have been at the first Christmas.
If we are to meet Christ this Christmas, we must have faith, as Joseph had faith. A true Christmas is a matter of faith. We walk and live by faith (see 2 Cor 5:7), and we have Christmas by faith. Without faith, it is impossible to please God this Christmas or any time (Heb 11:6), and the purpose of Christmas is to please Christ. After all, it is His birthday celebration.
Very few people were aware of the first Christmas, even though a star announcing Jesus' birth blazed across the sky (Mt 2:2). At this Christmas, the few or many who will meet Christ shall be men and women of faith, people like St. Joseph. Have faith in the Christ of Christmas.
Prayer: Father, through Your Word may I hear You and have faith in You (Rm 10:17).
Promise: "He shall rescue the poor man when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him." -Ps 72:12
Praise: "O sacred Lord of ancient Israel, Who showed Yourself to Moses in the burning bush, Who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: Come, stretch out Your mighty hand to set us free."
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from December 1, 2017 through January 31, 2018
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 3, 2017
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
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